Blog Post 9/18/2022 - Homily Cycle C 9/18/2022

Readings: https://bible.usccb.org/readings/calendar

Homily Cycle C 9/18/2022

Readings: https://bible.usccb.org/readings/calendar

Some of you may remember a TV Show called “Leave it to Beaver”, about the Cleaver family and their life; it ran from 1957 to 1963.  The Cleavers had two boys, Theodore [a.k.a. The Beaver] and Wally.  Wally had a friend, Eddie [Haskell] who was unfailingly polite to adults.  He would say things like, "Good morning, Mrs. Cleaver, that's a very pretty dress!"  Then he would go upstairs to Wally and Beaver's room, be mean and sneaky while looking for ways to make trouble.  For those of you who never saw the show or don’t remember it, Google “Leave It to Beaver” and watch an episode that includes Eddie Haskell, who was two-faced and clever.

The Steward in today’s parable was two-faced and shrewd.  He was very good at his job: selling the master’s goods, keeping an accurate inventory, making the master [and himself rich], BUT the Steward was gouging the people and the master discovered this and put an end to it, by firing him.

This Gospel is very surprising because it seems as though Jesus is extolling dishonesty and shrewdness.  The Steward assesses his situation and provides for himself and endears his master to the people; very clever, very shrewd.  Some Biblical Scholars refer to this parable as “a trickster” parable or story, in the ancient [a common literary device].                     [William Bausch, Once Upon A Gospel, p.271]

Let’s explore what Jesus wants us to learn.

First, He is not telling us to deceive, manipulate or be two-faced, He is telling us to use our talents, our wealth/resources [Mammon]for our family’s basic needs & then share our Mammon, especially share it with the poor.

Pope Francis called this parable, one about “the crafty steward”.  He said, “Christian cleverness, allows us to be cunning but not according to the spirit of the world.”                 [St. Louis Sunday website, Anne Osdieck]

Rather be clever and be shrewd in living the Gospel by using our gifts/talents and the grace offered to us to radiate the Lord & His Message to our world.  This parable “… challenges us to be eager and ingenious for the sake of God’ reign ….”  [Table Talk , Year C, p.185]

Our reading from Amos tells us to share our riches, our wealth, Amos tells us that God will not forget our actions.  The Letter to Timothy teaches us that the Jesus gave Himself for us and our Alleluia Verse notes that “Though our Lord Jesus Christ was rich, He became poor so that by His poverty you might become rich.” 

Today’s Scripture Readings deal with honesty, and integrity; recommending we become rich in heavenly currency.  Rich in eternal currency: mercy, love, forgiveness and joy. 

Obviously, we shouldn’t cheat the poor, or steal or take advantage of anyone.  It wasn’t right before Jesus’ came to earth, it wasn’t right when He was on earth, and it is not right in our time; it will never be right.

Our Responsorial Psalm instructs us to pray that our leaders protect, guide and keep us safe, but also, and most importantly the Psalm urges us to pray for those who are vulnerable.  Part of our mission, our purpose in life is to treat all of God’s people with respect and take care of all God has given us, including the earth and the universe.  We are called to be honest, to use our gifts and our talents graciously and warmly to pursue God’s work.

Today we celebrate Catechetical Sunday, and we pray for and thank God for our catechist, who teach, who accompany, who educate our children in the faith.  Fr. Marty will impart a special blessing upon them as our school year begins.

 

Before Fr. Marty blesses them, take few moments, reflect on:

What is driving you? 

What is motivating you?

What is your goal in this life?

And offer a prayer for the Catechists in your life, who taught you the faith.

 

 

May God Be Praised!